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The use of explosive materials by terrorists for mass killing, creating chaos and producing threat to people initiated the research for developing the techniques and equipments which can detect explosives. Recently a vehicle borne suicide bomber attacked CRPF convoy at Lethpora in Pulwama district in India on 14th February 2019, which killed 40 CRPF personnel. From decades, real-time detection and identification of traces of explosives at a standoff distance has been an ongoing challenge and critical problems in public safety, defense and counter terrorism. A number of methods has been successfully developed and used commercially and by defense which involves fluorescence quenching sensor, colorimetric kits and ion mobility spectrometers. While several methods are under investigation for explosive trace detection. The ideal trace detection of explosives is which can detect traces from a standoff distance and ensures personnel safety. This paper provides study of explosive detection methods, standoff spectroscopy based methods, LIBS and compares the existing methods for trace detection. Also the paper provides review of world's smallest drone made by Israel (Spectrodrone) which can sniff explosives and drugs from 2.8 km. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anemia prevalence among Indian pregnant women in 2015-16 was 50.4% and has not declined from 49.7% in 1998-99 despite the national policies on iron-folic acid supplementation. New gestational age-specific cut-offs (INTERGROWTH cut-off) for risk of low Hemoglobin (Hb) have been identified. Aims and objectives: Compare prevalences of low Hb based on WHO and INTERGROWTH cut-offs Methods: The prevalence of anemia/low Hb among pregnant women in trimesters 2 and 3 from NFHS-4 data were estimated using the current WHO recommendations and the INTERGROWTH cut- offs. Results: Prevalence of low Hb by the INTERGROWTH cut-off was 28.1%(95% CI:26.9-29.4) and 21.7%(95% CI:20.6-22.9) in trimesters 2 and 3. Anemia prevalence by WHO cut-off was much higher at 41.2%(95% CI:39.8-42.5) and 54.8%(95 CI:53.2- 56.3) in trimesters 2 and 3. The prevalence of low-Hb was similar between ANC and no-ANC reported groups in both trimesters (26.1% and 28.9% in trimester-2; 20.1% and 22.4% in trimester-3). Conclusion: The prevalence of low-Hb with gestational age specific cut-offs is much lower compared to earlier estimates using WHO cut-off. The universal iron supplementation program for pregnant women in India need to be re-examined in this light and a tragetter Hb testing based supplementation may be more beneficial in reducing anemia prevalence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present situation, plants have to meet the food supply demand for a large and increasing population. In order to get high yield, it is essential for the plantations to be nourished with soil containing an appropriate amount of nutrients like Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K). Various methods such as, physical (optical) and chemical (electrochemistry) have been adopted to analyze the soil nutrients. This paper reviewed optical methods of soil nutrient detection suitable for building a portable sensor because it can sense nutrients in dry soil samples directly without the need for complicated sample pretreatments. We concentrate and elaborate on optical methods of experimentation. Starting from laboratory testing standards followed in India we move on to off the lab crude methods like soil testing kits and colorimetric approaches. Further, we review the effective and utilitarian spectroscopic approaches and also the technologically advanced and latest methods like imaging systems, microfluidic, and micro-electromechanical system (MEMs) based sensors. However, optical methods are affected by environmental factors that affect the accuracy of sensor results. This paper then discusses boons and curses of optical methods of soil nutrient sensing. It also explains briefly the working of each method and mentions the most recent advancements made in the given testing method. We hope that this paper can serve as a guide for the experimenters and give a direction for carrying out further work required in developing a portable and efficient soil NPK detection sensor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The adaptive coherence estimator and matched filtering methods are used to map rock phosphate in ASTER data. • The spectral maps of above spectral methods are integrated to delineate phosphate in dolomite. • The results are validated in the field using a qualitative colorimetric method. • Few important patches of phosphate in addition to the main mine are confirmed in the field. This paper applies reflectance spectroscopy and Advanced Space borne thermal emission reflection radiometer (ASTER) data processing to delineate dolomite-hosted rock phosphate around Udaipur City, Western India, using visible-near infrared (VNIR) and short wave infrared (SWIR) bands of the ASTER sensor. A number of ASTER image spectra and field spectra (resampled to ASTER bands) of pure dolomite and rock phosphate are compared and found to be consistent in terms of the presence of absorption minima at 2.3 µm for dolomite and the absence of the same feature in the spectra of the rock-phosphate. Before attempting spectral mapping, ASTER SWIR band data are clipped using the spatial extent of host rock; which has been prepared from the reference geological map and consequently updated using VNIR-SWIR derived image enhanced products at selected part of the study areas. Two sub-pixel spectral methods namely adaptive coherence estimator (ACE) and matched filtering (MF) methods are applied to ASTER SWIR bands to delineate rock-phosphate-rich zones within dolomite. The output images of the above algorithms are integrated in a principal component (PC) image to delineate phosphate pixels. A principal component; which has similar sign of Eigen vector loading for ACE and MF abundance image is used to delineate rock phosphate within dolomite. The results are validated in the field using a qualitative colorimetric method and also by comparing image spectra of spectrally anomalous zone with the ASTER resampled laboratory spectra of rock phosphate samples. A number of sporadic but important patches of phosphate rich zones in addition to the main surface exposures of the Jhamar Kotra Mine are confirmed in the field. The proposed method is a novel application of spectral mapping of phosphate deposits in dolomitic and carbonatic rocks and present approach of ASTER data processing can be used to delineate phosphate rich zones occurring within similar geological provinces in any parts of the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Skin pigmentation is one of the most variable phenotypic traits and most noticeable of human polymorphisms. Skin pigmentation in humans is largely determined by the quantity and distribution of the pigment melanin. The literature review on skin color variation revealed a few works on skin pigmentation variation has been conducted in India from Southern, Western and Northern part. Aims and Objectives: To best of the knowledge, the present discourse is the first attempt to understand skin color variation from Eastern and North Eastern part of India among three populations. Materials and Methods: The present study consisted of 312 participants from Chakma and Tripuri groups of Tripura, North East India, and participants from Bengalee Hindu caste population from West Bengal. Skin color was measured by Konica Minolta CR-10 spectrophotometer which measures and quantifies the colors with a 3D color space (CIELAB) color space created by 3 axes. All the skin color measurements from each participant were taken from unexposed (underarm) left and right to get a mean and exposed (forehead) to sunlight. Results: The distribution of skin color variation among the three populations demonstrated significant (p<0.05) difference in lightness for unexposed and exposed indicating lightness in unexposed area. Furthermore, the present study revealed significant difference (p<0.05) in skin color among the ethnic groups across the body location and all three attributes (lightness, redness and yellowness). Conclusion: Generally, skin color variation may be elucidated by two main factors: individual differences in lightness and yellowness and by and large due to ethnicity, where diversity in redness is due to primarily due to different body locations. Variation in lightness have more characteristic probability reflecting the large influence of environmental factors such as exposure to sun. The present study first time reports the wide range of quantitative skin color variation among the three ethnic groups from Eastern and North East India and highest yellowness (b*) among the population from North East India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are only limited reports on Punjabi’s health status in Malaysia. This cross-sectional study assessed the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (Mets) and its risk factors among 277 subjects recruited from the Malaysian Punjabi community. Overall prevalence of Mets was 43%, but 61% among females. Subjects classified with Mets had significantly (p < 0.05) higher body mass index, visceral fat and percentage of body fat. Daily carbohydrate and glycemic index (GI) were also higher among Mets subjects (p < 0.05). Logistics regression analysis showed that primary level of education (OR 5.57, CI 1.29-23.97, p = 0.021) was a factor associated with Mets, followed by middle household income (OR 2.30, CI 1.01-5.20, p = 0.046), GI (OR 1.03, CI 1.00-1.06, p = 0.026), and age (OR 1.03, CI 1.00-1.05, p = 0.023). Mets shows high prevalence among the studied Punjabi population, prompting the consideration of adequate preventive measures, primarily among lower socioeconomic groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In Maharashtra the elderly population is 9.9 % of the total state population (Census 2011). There is a need to highlight the nutritional problems being faced by the elderly in India. Early detection of malnutrition and timely interventions can help to reduce morbidity in the long run. Aims &Objectives: To find the prevalence of malnutrition in elderly and compare nutritional status of elderly residing in an urban area and urban slum. Material & Methods: This was a cross sectional hospital-based study. Data was collected from the civil OPD and ex-service men OPD of the hospital each having a catchment population from urban slum and urban area respectively. A total of 331 patients > 60 years of age were included. Nutritional status was assessed using the MNA, MUST and GNRI. Serum albumin levels were measured using colorimetric method. Results: The overall prevalence of malnutrition and at risk as per MNA score was 168 (50.7%). Out of 331 subjects, 209 belonged to urban slums and remaining 122 were from urban area. The gender and age distribution were comparable in both groups. The mean BMI of subjects from slum area was significantly lower as compared to urban group (22.3+ 5.3 vs 26.3+ 4.5) p<0.001. Proportion of elderly who had MNA score below 24 was significantly higher in the slum area (p<0.05). Proportion of elderly with mid arm circumference and calf circumference below the cut off of 22 cm and 31 cm respectively was significantly higher in slum area (p<0.05). Serum albumin levels were comparable in both groups. Mean BMI of elderly in urban area was >25Kg/m2. Conclusion: The overall prevalence of malnutrition was high. The nutritional status of elderly in urban slum was significantly worse than that of elderly in urban area [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determination of urea in milk is inevitable in the dairy industry for the quality control processes. A simple and cost-effective method was developed to determine the concentration of urea in milk by silver nanoparticles (uncapped and citrate capped) and ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy. The developed nanoparticles were characterized by UV–Vis, scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and a colour change was noted from yellow to blue upon nanoparticles interaction with urea. A predictive model was developed using the spectral data from the analyzed samples. The developed model was able to measure urea concentration (between 6 mg/dL to 90 mg/dL) in milk with the coefficient of determination (R2) more than0.90 and was validated through para -dimethylaminobenzaldehyde (DMAB) method suggested by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). The average accuracy and sample percent relative standard deviation (% RSD) obtained through the developed method + model ranged from 62.67 to 121.85% and 0.11–1.21%. The regression model for uncapped nanoparticles was found to be best-fitted (having R2 = 0.92, average accuracy 103.75 ± 8.69%), with higher closeness to the values obtained for urea by FSSAI-DMAB method. This proposed study proves to be useful for the qualitative and quantitative determination of urea in milk by small businesses in the dairy industry. • Detection of urea in milk through silver nanoparticles based UV-VIS spectroscopy. • Spectral data based development of predictive model for urea determination in milk. • The method is simple, cost-effective and beneficial for quality control of milk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The antigenotoxic effects of curcumin alone and with piperine on benzo(a)pyrene-diol (BaP) epoxide DNA adducts (BaPDE-DNA adducts), and carcinogen biotransformation enzymes was investigated in liver and lung of mice. Male Swiss albino mice received curcumin (100 mgkg−1body weight) and piperine (20 mgkg−1body weight) separately as well as in combination orally in corn oil for 7 days as pretreatments and thereafter 2 h, BaP (125 mgkg−1body weight) was administered orally in corn oil. A single dose of BaP to normal mice increased the activities of ethoxyresorufin o-deethylase (EROD), pentoxyresorufin o-depentylase (PROD) and levels of BaPDE-DNA adducts in both the tissues. Quinone reductase (QR) activity was also elevated in the BaP-treated group in both liver and lung when compared with normal control group. Pretreatment of curcumin and curcumin plus piperine before administration of BaP significantly decreased the activities of EROD, PROD, and the level of BaPDE-DNA adducts with consequent increase in QR activities. The study clearly indicates that curcumin, when given in combination with piperine, is more effective in modulating BaPDE-DNA adducts (liver and lung), and activity of EROD (liver). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the study was to evaluate oxidative stress during adverse environmental conditions in Marwari sheep breed, to monitor the health status. Six hundred and thirty animals were sampled belonging to arid tracts of Rajasthan, India during adverse environmental conditions including extreme hot and extreme cold. Oxidative stress was evaluated by determining serum catalase activities by basic colorimetric method in which serum was reacted with hydrogen peroxide for specific period of time. The control mean value of serum catalase was 66.90±2.01 kU L-1. Hot environmental condition resulted in a significant (p⩽0.05) increase, whereas cold environmental condition caused a significant (p⩽0.05) decrease in the mean value as compared to moderate or control. Rise in catalase level was maximum at the individuals of 2.5-4.5 years age group irrespective of gender, followed by male animals irrespective of age during hot environmental condition. As catalase is considered one of the endogenous antioxidant enzymes, it was concluded that its levels increased tremendously during extreme hot environmental condition probably to combat formed free radicals. Results pointed out towards the development of oxidative stress in extreme hot environmental condition as compared to cold environmental condition. Supplementation of antioxidants must be there during adverse environmental conditions to maintain proper health of these animals as oxidative stress is a prelude to many pathological conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To determine the effect of 4-Hydroxyisoleucine (4-HIL), an unusual amino acid isolated from the seeds of Trigonella foenum- graecum, on glucose uptake and the translocation of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) to plasma membrane in skeletal muscle cells and to investigate the underlying mechanisms of action. Methods: Rat skeletal muscle cells (L6-GLUT4 myc) were treated with 4-HIL, and the effect on glucose uptake was determined by measuring the incorporation of radio-labeled 2-deoxy-[H]- d-glucose (2-DG) into the cell. Translocation of GLUT4 myc to plasma membrane was measured by an antibody-coupled colorimetric assay. Results: The prolonged exposure (16 h) of L6-GLUT4 myc myotubes to 4-HIL caused a substantial increase in the 2-DG uptake and GLUT4 translocation to the cell surface, without changing the total amount of GLUT4 and GLUT1. Cycloheximide treatment reversed the effect of 4-HIL on GLUT4 translocation to the basal level suggesting the requirement of new protein synthesis. The 4-HIL-induced increase in GLUT4 translocation was completely abolished by wortmannin, and 4-HIL significantly increased the basal phosphorylation of AKT (Ser-473), but did not change the mRNA expression of AKT, IRS-1, GLUT4, and GSK3β. Conclusion: Results suggest that 4-HIL stimulates glucose uptake in L6-GLUT4 myc myotubes by enhancing translocation of GLUT4 to the cell surface in a PI-3-kinase/AKT-dependent mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colour of teak wood from homesteads was characterized in comparison with that grown in forest plantation by two methods of colour determination, namely, Munsell system and CIE 1976 (L* a* b*) system in order to interpret precisely the colour variation. As per the Munsell hue system, heartwood colour of home garden teak from wet locality was comparable to that of dry sites and forest plantation specimens. However, the chroma value indicated less saturation of colour in the former. The chromaticness index b* (yellowness) of wet site sample as determined by CIE 1976 (L* a* b*) system differed significantly (p < 0.05) from dry site and plantation specimens with more yellowness. No significant difference was observed among the samples collected from the different localities with regard to brightness (L*) and redness (a*) (p <0.05). The results suggest that the paler colour (less yellowness) of wet site teak wood is the limiting factor of timber price of home garden teak as compared with the forest plantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fluoride has become a recurring theme in discussing water issues in India. In Karnataka, where groundwater sources are concentrated with fluorides the impact is devastating. Dental and spine-related ailments are showing up in many cities and villages. Several villages in Pavagada taluk in Tumkur district have fluoride concentration 5 times more than the permissible level. The different aspects to the problem are many defluoridation interventions were failure. Objective: To determine and compare fluoride level in water samples from Fluorosis mitigation project area. Materials and Methods: Samples of municipal water were collected in sterile containers in an unannounced visit. All the samples of water were assigned a code so that those undertaking analysis would be blind to the source. Fluoride levels were determined by an ion-selective electrode (Orion 94-09) method. Results: Mean fluoride level in the water samples collected in the project was 0.8 which was within the normal range. Conclusion: Even though the fluoride level was within the normal limits after implementation of flourosis mitigation project, ground reality was numbers of beneficiaries were less. Hence, proper planning and monitoring always becomes essential for any project to be successful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The present study aimed to evaluate a rapid and inexpensive colorimetric nitrate reductase assay (NRA) performed directly on sputum specimens for detection of drug resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB)., Methodology: A total of 55 sputum samples were decontaminated and processed by modified Petroff's method.  A part of the resulting suspension was used to perform direct NRA (DNRA) and direct proportion method (DPM) analysis. Of the 55 samples, 45 could be used to compare the two methods. Indirect drug sensitivity testing (DST) was also done for 14 MTB strains., Results: Excellent agreement was found between DNRA and DPM testing with K values of 1, 0.91, 0.91, and 1 for RIF, INH, STR and EMB respectively. The sensitivities and specificities of DNRA compared to that of DPM were observed to be 100 and 100%, 100 and 93%, 95 and 96%, 100 and 100 % for RIF, INH, STR, and EMB respectively. Comparing the results of DNRA, DPM and indirect NRA with those of the gold standard indirect PM for 14 MTB strains showed that sensitivities, specificities and percent agreements were 100, 100 and 100% for all four tested drugs. Results for most of the specimens (55.6%) were available in 21 days with DNRA., Conclusions: We have saved valuable time by omitting the pre-isolation step and conclude that DNRA is a rapid, accurate and inexpensive method for direct DST of MTB and may become an appropriate alternative method for the resource limited settings.

Pesticides can cause cytogenetic effects and lower the acetyl cholinesterase (AChE) levels in farmers exposed to pesticides. In this study, 210 farmers exposed to pesticides and 160 non-exposed individuals were enrolled for determining the genotoxicity and AChE levels. The AChE levels were determined in plasma and RBC lysate from blood samples collected from farmers and control subjects. AChE (true and pseudo) estimation done by the colorimetric method revealed that there was a progressive fall in both the RBC and plasma AChE levels in exposed individuals compared to unexposed individuals, which correlated with the severity of exposure (253.5 versus 311.1 and 142.3 versus 152.1; P < 0.001). Cytogenetic studies showed an increase in DNA damage and higher chromosomal aberrations (CAs) in exposed farmers compared to the control subjects (26.13 versus 07.61 and 21.37 versus 1.52; P < 0.001). When comparing the AChE levels with DNA damage and structural CA frequencies, there was a negative linear correlation. Therefore based on these findings, it is concluded that genotoxic biomarkers like CA frequencies, DNA damage data along with AChE levels are important parameters for determining farmer's health who are exposed to pesticides in any situation.

A colorimetric method has been developed for the selective analysis of the total iridoid content of the rhizomes of Picrorhiza kurrooa in terms of catalpol. The method of analysis is based on the reaction between iridoid compounds and primary amine. The iridoid glycosides present in P. kurrooa are mainly the esters of catalpol, and can be easily converted into catalpol by saponification. Catalpol thus obtained by hydrolysis is treated with glycine in acidic medium to give a purple color with a maxmimum absorption of 542 nm. The method was validated as per the ICH guidelines for linearity, accuracy and precision. Several other rhizome samples of the plant were also assayed using this method. The method developed is precise, sensitive, reproducible and easy to perform and can be used for the standardization of crude drug.

Aging is associated with a decline in basal metabolic rate (BMR) and total energy expenditure. The extent to which changes in fat free mass (FFM) alone, explains the reduction in BMR is still unresolved. In this study, we documented changes in body composition and evaluated its contribution to measured BMR in young and elderly Indian subjects. We compared 16 healthy elderly male subjects in the age group of 60-75 years with 16 Body Mass Index (kg/m2) matched controls in the age group of 18-25 years. Body composition measurements were determined by using multiple skinfolds and bio-impedence method. BMR measured by indirect calorimetry. The % fat and fat free mass was significantly different between two groups. There were significant difference in BMR between elderly and control group (elderly, 5.91 +/- 0.54 vs control; 7.08 +/- 0.65 MJ/day, P < 0.001), which disappeared when corrected for FFM. This suggests that the age related decrease in the BMR is related to the absolute decrease in the FFM in the elderly without any change in the metabolic activity per kg FFM.

Several different methods are suggested for the estimation of admixture proportions in hybrid populations based on skin reflectance data. These methods are applied to hybrid populations of known ancestry and yield results generally quite similar to those expected based on a simple genetic model. Results indicate the usefulness of these methods in hybridization studies and in the development and refinement of models of the genetics of skin color.

A rapid method for the extraction and estimation of morphine in Indian opium is described. Methanolic extract of opium is treated with activated charcoal and the colorless extract obtained contains all of the major opium alkaloids. Morphine content is estimated colorimetrically by using hydrogen peroxide-copper-ammonia. The reaction is specific for morphine, and no other major opium alkaloid responds. The results obtained by the proposed method are in general agreement with those obtained by the nitroso method.

A group of South Indian subjects was studied for their capacities to acetylate sulfamethazine (SMZ) and dapsone (DDS) and to clear DDS from the circulation. An apparent trimodal distribution of acetylator phenotypes was found in 49 subjects (51% slow, 12% intermediate, and 37% rapid acetylators) from measurements of the percentage acetylation of SMZ in 6-hour plasma samples after administration of 10 mg SMZ/kg. The intermediate phenotype was not discernible from either the percentage acetylation of SMZ in urine (collected concurrently with the plasma after SMZ) or that of DDS in plasma after the ingestion of 50 mg DDS by the same subjects. The latter two measurements yielded a bimodal distribution of 59% slow and 41% rapid acetylators, nearly identical to earlier reported distributions of isoniazid inactivator phenotypes in larger numbers of South Indian tuberculosis patients. In the current group, acetylation of DDS and SMZ was positively correlated. The half-time of disappearance (T 1/2) of DDS, an expression of the rate of clearance from the plasma, ranged from 13 to 40 hours. No correlation was found between the subject's capacity to acetylate DDS and the T 1/2 value for DDS. These results were generally consistent with earlier observations made during similar studies of American and Filipino subjects.